Thursday, August 20, 2009

curiosity

http://www.facelessbook.com/blog_comment.php?post=51


What sparked a barrage of thoughts was the spotted text found at the end of the short Curiosity.

"... of course, I'm curious. I'm searching. For the answers. For the truth."

What comes to mind are some experiences I've had when searching. I've discovered the destination is forever changing. Destination=Change--this is the formula. So if the destination is truth, then truth is still always going to be changing.

Throughout life MY truth has changed just as I have. What once was reality is a dream; and what were dreams, now realities. What once was real is now fake. And what once was the TRUTH is now a lie. And so on.

therefore,

truth=change.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

brace, just incase and say grace...

An abundance of work was thrown at me a week and a half ago and has taken me away until now.

One job in particular was absolutely absurd. Spiritually, physically, mentally demanding and draining... Only once the job was finished did I see it for what it was, a gift.

It was a repairing a wet basement. The Oshawa home had a steady stream coming from the entire west side of the house. The process was to dig a trench to the base of the house; lay down some new pipe for draining; seal the outside wall; load the ditch with crushed stone; and then fill it back in.

When we looked at the job, it looked so eaaaaasssssy! We were even giggling about it. Half of hole was dug out and it was a straight forward dig and repair.

Plans changed. We should have clued in we were in for a job and a half because the reason the home owner's son quit digging in the first place was due to the hole collapsing on him... That's why they called us!

So when we got there, I figured I'd only need one mate to help me dig this nasty witch. A rather unwise decision. The dirt was like nothing I have ever seen before... I am pretty sure it was dirt from Mars. Mars dirt. It was a crumbly clay and stuck to the shovel like a glue. From the get go we were literally digging this 30' long by 4' wide by god knows how deep down crater by hand. My man James was making more progress by tossing hunks of clay out of the opening with his bare hands versus his shovel. Within the first two hours fear set in and I wanted to quit. I could not believe this pit... but we trudged on.

We had to brace one portion of the mud wall immediately because their neighbour's asphalt driveway was on the verge of collapsing into the blackhole.

My memory is a little weary, but as far as I remember the next day James and I went back at it and made some great headway. We found our groove. And just as we were enjoying the hot sun, the refreshing tracks brought to us by 9.49 the Rock FM, the hard workout, the sense of accomplishment, the f%*king wall caved in. The portion of the dirt partition fell right in front of us as we stood and watched. The buckled dirt reclaimed it's territory; all the space we create that morning was eliminated. Initially, we figured we did not have to set up more protective wood braces because we were still not that low in the ground. Now it sounds crazy, but it was the truth. This dirt had plans of its own. We took this setback with a grain of salt. Until the next collapse. My recollection tells me that we had another minor collapse before that day was done. Nothing to the same degree as the first fall, but a collapse non the less.

Day 3.
This time I brought an additional digger. We needed another man and not just physically but because our spirits were declining too. James and I were slowly digging our own grave. I think it was my brother who joined us this day. To keep it simple let me say that we had a rather productive day. We set up the wood forms for bracing as we dug and we made some good space in the trench.

Day 4.
As I stood over the trench studying yesterday's work, James riddled me with questions asking why I was looking into the ditch with such look on my face. It wasn't until he saw for himself that my facial expression made sense. Overnight, the hole collapsed, again. But not the top of the wall... right from underneath the current bracing.

Day 5.
James, my bother and I were back at it and taking care of business. We stayed strong through the past ordeals. We were getting smarter as a team and smarter with the process. We ended up splitting up our dig into two sections. We crushed the first half of the process with new draining and a sealant for the wall. We could see the light. We had been adding braces left, right and centre as we moved along. It was overkill for sure but we weren't taking any chances. It was late in the afternoon and we were a 3/4's of the way finished, when...

We were digging out the last quarter of mud, but we were stuck because the bracing we had up restricted us from digging out the last portion of the hole. Plus the current braces around this area needed to be reinstalled anyway, as they looked insecure. So I made the decision to knock out the horizontal 4'x4' support post allowing us to reinstall some new braces and make room for our remaining dig. I knocked it out and the wall held... but not for long. An avalanche occurred. We took another collapse. I guess we needed that brace... It is funny when we look back on it. We all said if we were just a little faster we could have prevented one of the greatest disasters of all time.

This landslide was not pretty either... James was in the hole as we were all hymning and hawing about what to do for the new braces. As I was yapping I noticed the earth shifting... "James get the f*#k outta there bro"... LOL... The plywood was still against the dirt and as the soil moved, it pinched James between the house and the plywood. Maybe it was more like a body check. He just barely squeezed out. At this point there was only one thing we could do, lunch.

During our late lunch, I got a call from the bossman. Grant came by to see our progress while we were out. He could not believe it. It was like a quarter of the dirt fell back into our hole. I made calls to friends and other knowledgeable ditch diggers to ask for help because I was truly worried we could not finish now. I was so lost, discouraged, helpless. I remember claiming to James that we were the number one show up in heaven. Everyone up there was tuning in to watch our adventure down here on earth.. There was nothing more redonkulous then "the dirt show".

It was when we returned from lunch and I was kicking dirt around and holding in tears that I received a phone call from a new found friend named Anthony. Anthony, who just got out of jail, indicated that he need to be around good people and needed a job... "Well Anthony, I got just the job for you!! I'll see you 10 min's, DON'T GO ANYWHERE!"

Back at it, and with an army. Grant, the bossman, joined the band. So there we were, determined to cure this disease; to rectify this catastrophe; to slay this dragon. And we did.

It took a few more days and half days to get everything back to normal. Even my precious sister came to my rescue. James was sent back to base to recoup. But we did it. Blood, sweat and tears, you betcha. 12-14 hour days, of course. The job of a lifetime, quite possibly.

And get this, it turns out the basement still leaks....





Just kidding....







Monday, July 27, 2009

re-establish

I believe this entry is specifically for myself for the fact that I made a commitment. I made a commitment to keep a blog. I need to keep this commitment; I need to keep the flow a flowing. The blog was started weeks ago and I find it very useful. My mind is so scattered and wild that the best thing I can do is to record these radical thoughts. So the purpose of this entry is simply to Re-establish a connection with my thoughts and put them down for the purpose of being recorded. I find it easier and cleaner to convey my thoughts through typing versus handwriting.

some songs for the fans...

Tear by RHCP
www.chinavbox.cn/show/UU04I8IO.html

Y Control by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3zPbBMbnjI&feature=fvst

Mr. Bojangles by Sammy Davis Jr.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du22wApJqvs

Saturday, July 18, 2009

talking out loud and top 3 meals...

I've been home from China for over a year. The home welcoming ran out about 6 months ago and the pressure to stabilize is building . Since my return to our wonderful country, whatever ideas and dreams my brain concocts, I've been acting on. From acting, boxing, art, to starting businesses like construction companies, importing, clothing and so forth.

My experience is to live my dreams. Bottom Line. Whatever I enjoy doing--DO! And yes, I am a realist! Yes I have responsibilities, not many. And yes, I have bills and goals that are "weighing" over me. But this ONE life is so precious; therefore, I am working on BALANCING right now. I am still following my nose but also looking for some stability. Something to help me excel and help me grow. It will happen and when it does...Boom, boom pow. My list of evidence is 1000s of pages long. Life keeps getting better and better. "The proof's in the pudding."

So my plan of action is to get some sort of part time gig to stabilize my mysteriously abundant life. Just saying.

Top Three Meals... Ever

3) I was camping out in Guelph a couple weeks back and was overwhelmed with the surprise dinner of a life time. Kevin Campbell http://dreamsandaspirationsofkevin.blogspot.com (his blog)
pulled together one of the most tantalizing meals I've had. This meal was unexpected which really sets it apart from other delicious meals. It's campsite setting mixed with the perfect company also set this meal above the rest. It was all about the sauteed, caramelized onions stuck to the fried pirogies; baked potatoes with an abundant amount of fixings; the steak, brought to us by Buckingham's in Oshawa, was out of control.

2) Again there was a surprise element to this number two dinner. I knew I was going out for a special dinner but had no idea where. There was this hotel in Dalian, China called Shang Ri La. This place is totally high-end, or Next Level for that matter. I was accompanied by a tall, exotic, sexy Chinese woman, named Madison, who set up the whole extravagant evening for me. It turned out to be a buffet. I remember the hearty tacos, fresh sushi, athentic spaghetti, real bread (I mean, real bread, made with oats and sh*t) etc. It was food I had not eaten in months, western food. Food that I totally took for granted. Food that was made to please. The price on this meal was the most I have ever seen. It was $500.00 a plate. To top it all off and setting this meal apart from the rest... it was her treat! Boom, boom pow!

1) This one is easy. Every meal that I go out to have with the family is the best dinner ever. Hands down.

YOU PICKIN' UP WHAT IM PUTTING DOWN??????

88

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

today's top ten songs

I would like to think I have somewhat of a responsibility. I must share my wild thoughts with the public. I feel like the majority of what you read on a day to day basis is rather drab, fake and thought preventing. So by me sharing me, I stay in the light and I hopefully spark some life in you.

Today entry is easy... top ten songs I've been listening to today...

your welcome! LOL

But no order...

John Frusciante - Dying Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GTyf9gP_yY&NR=1

John Frusciante - Scratches
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESgqwH8pJ0c

Valerie Shaw - Old Apartment (cover)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9DY8ROKZUE

Wolfmother - Joker and the Thief
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWvdKPpVWzw

Peter Bjorn and John - Up Against the Wall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbWemy7dwUE

Point Blank - You Don't Want It Wit Us
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLOjmmb94ec

Elvis P- Devil in Disguise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3_Q96eJr1k

Solitaire - Easy 2 Slip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZlprQpCtuc

Limp Bizkit - Build a Bridge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_uxdL8tJ00&feature=related

The Smiths - How Soon is Now?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5HpeA_WSo

PS I just figured out how to add the links. Now you can just click away.

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Monday, July 13, 2009

prayers and cereal

Do you pray?

Why? Why not?

I do. I have prayed when I thought it was just a false sense of security. I have prayed when I've felt connected to the universe and it's every shift. I have prayed and felt nothing and I have prayed when I felt it all. While praying, I have heard answers; and during, I have made up my own. I've prayed when at the end of my road and I've prayed at the beginning.

Today I am guided after prayer. I pray today because it connects me to the universe. It's a tool that keeps me grounded and in touch with myself and others--connected. I spent a portion of my life disconnected. Talking to the higher power, creator, universe is the only thing that puts me back in the moment. Really, it is a combination of talking and listening.

I recently read a cartoon that read, "Prayer - How to do nothing and still think you're helping." I thought this was hilarious. I also feel this is a common perception. For me it is not that way at all, since my prayers ain't very conventional or religious. And since I have an endless evidence list of how my prayers have worked and come to fruition.

Through years of prayer I have built a foundation, a connection, a relationship with ______. I have never been so compassionate, so reliable, so generous, so easy, SO FREE.

I, too, am surprised I am exploiting my personal relationship with up above. But at the same time, "I have nothing to fear." And I am I want to be part of the solution in the fact that talking about GOD and is so taboo, private and personal. Personal and private is one thing but taboo...

Extra Extra: New Trend Alert!
For the optimal breakfast experience, start mixing cereals! For example, I mix Vector, Mini Wheats and Harvest Crunch for the absolute best cereal I've ever jammed in my mouth.

Start concocting. Raisin Bran, Honey Nuts and Mini Wheats. Quite frankly, mixing Mini Wheats with any cereal is going to blow you away. Please start sharing your own concoctions with the rest of the world.

Can't think of any concoctions? Pray abou it

Friday, July 10, 2009

truly the best medicine...

For the longest time, I had my head set on being a stand-up comedian. I always have loved to make people laugh whether I told jokes or wrote them in stories. It is right up there for being one my favourite things in the world to do, watching someone laugh. I find it so invigorating. It's even like a weird fetish. Let me explain, when I watch a hilarious clip on the computer or TV, I love sharing it with others and in this instance I think most people do the same. But where my fetish fit in, is when I get others to watch the funny clip, and I just stare at them; infatuated with their facial expressions while they watch. So the next time I am watching you laugh... now you know... I am enjoying myself.

Making people laugh is in my blood but it comes in waves. When I was growing up in high school I was nominated Class Clown two years in a row and lost both years... ha! Once, I even did my stand up routine at Yuk Yuks on amateur night. I took myself to downtown TO and did a 5-6 min routine. I got some chuckles and a few "eeewwws" lol. I learned two things from that experience. One, next time I do it bring some close friends; don't go alone. And second, try your shit out on people before unloading on a crowd.

What does all this mean? Nothing. But I did attach a top ten list of comedians. Yes I did. Here are 10 links for different comedians that I adore or at least adore these specific routines/shows.

(Warning: A couple links are a little racy.)

Top ten routines.

10 - Nick Swardson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wBK2eY_zgs
9 - Lance Krall http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JHgnFQ-eCY
8 - Zach Galifianakis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7ywNaGpqZw
7 - Chris Rock http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWERzwbobOk
6 - Dave Chapelle (explicit) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GD1z789p1vc&feature=related
5 - Jerry Dee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llPKgjyT1RU&feature=related
4- Sam Kinison http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_VURr6jnWQ
3 -Dane Cook http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAJOrr4C6D4&feature=related
2 - Dave Chapelle & Eddie Murphy (2 Geniuses) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdDxVZkytxI&feature=related
1 - Jerry Seinfeld http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca2JwbOXnhg&feature=related

Honourable mentions: Mitch Hedberg, Harland Williams, Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, etc.

laughing... the best medicine...

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